A hidden gem, Le Elementos is a chic boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet street in Rhodespark. The restaurant offers much-needed tranquillity and space. It boasts two dining options: a breezy outdoor bar on a raised deck and an intimate fine-dining restaurant emphasising warmth, charm, and culinary artistry.
Welcome to the Hotel
I began my experience at the elevated bar on the deck that overlooked a cascading water fountain that complemented the serenity of the surroundings. I sipped on chilled sparkling water and tasted canapés of beef and chicken koftas with hints of garlic and smoky barbecue, complemented by a cooling, creamy mint yoghurt sauce with a hint of citrusy lemon. Each bite was infused with bold paprika undertones that excited the palate. The crisp, golden empanadas encased tender shredded chicken, onion, peppers, and garlic, a hearty treat served with a sticky, sweet chilli sauce, brought an end to my hors d'oeuvres.
I stepped into the refined formal dining area to begin my culinary adventure. The simplicity of the décor allowed the food to take centre stage—hand-woven African baskets adorned the walls, an elegant nod to African cultural heritage while adding authenticity to the space.
Preparing the Palate
For my starter, I chose the smoked chicken salad, a light and flavourful dish. The smoked chicken was served atop a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce, juicy slices of orange, and a sprinkling of roasted cashew nuts, adding a delightful contrast of textures. The citrus's freshness cut through the chicken's smoky richness, giving every forkful indulgence.
Meet the Chef at Le Elementos Boutique Hotel
Chef Mwansa explains, “Our menu encompasses local and international cuisines, our inspiration is to take care of everyone. Therefore, we tailor meals on request to cater for every guest.” Le Elementos is committed to creating memorable experiences with a highly trained team. Chef Mwansa brings 17 years of professional experience to every dish, and his impressive résumé showcases his palpable passion for the culinary arts. He began as a line cook, then explored the service aspect of hospitality as maitre’d to expand his experience. Chef Mwansa, whose culinary artistry began in his teen years, recalls, “I enjoyed mixing different things to see what would come out of it, and I have mastered numerous cuisines, but Thai is by far my favourite.”
The Main Course
For the main, Chef Mwansa recommended a locally sourced, medium beef fillet accompanied by an authentic mushroom sauce. The fillet fell apart easily at the first cut, displaying the chef's skill with a succulent interior and seared exterior, the classic salt and pepper seasoning allowed the natural flavours of the meat to shine. Accompanying the fillet was a velvety butternut and Irish potato mash infused with fresh butter and cream, making each bite rich and indulgent. Roasted baby marrow and carrots added an earthy sweetness, while the roasted butternut, with delicate hints of cinnamon, brought a warm touch to the plate.
To complement the meal, the Tropicana cocktail—a medley of tropical flavours—provided a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce, its bright citrus and fruit notes made a delightful companion to my meal.
A Sweet Ending
Finally, my all-time favourite dessert arrived—cheesecake enveloped in a luscious blueberry sauce. The tart sweetness of the fresh blueberries complemented the cheesecake's rich, creamy texture, and the chef's homemade biscuit base further enhanced the dessert, bursting with buttery sweetness that left me pleasantly satiated.
As I sat back, taking in the peaceful and intimate ambience, I could not help but appreciate how Le Elementos Boutique Hotel offers more than just a meal; it is a place to unwind, indulge, and truly savour the moment.
VETERAN IN THE KITCHEN
Chef Mwansa began his career 17 years ago as a line cook at Lusaka Hotel. His resume embodies his passion for the restaurant industry as he has not only shown his expertise in the kitchen, but on the front lines serving as manager for some establishments. His expertise has taken him to Mint Lounge, Latitude 15 Degrees Hotel, and Lolobezi in Lower Zambezi to name a few.
LOCAL PRIDE
Le Elementos prides itself on using organic ingredients and supporting local agriculture. All their fresh produce is sourced from local markets, and their vegetarian dishes incorporate indigenous vegetables as part of the ingredients.
NON-STOP INDULGENCE
Le Elementos Boutique Hotel is open every day of the year, serving breakfast from as early as 07:00 am, with lunch and dinner available until 10:00 pm. Walk-in guests are welcome, though reservations are preferred.
